【The Old Man of the Expelled Inn Unwittingly Dominates Today Too】Although I Want to Lead a Slow Life, for Some Reason the Strongest Beauties Who Hold Important Positions in the Country, and Were Once My Disciples, Gather Around Me Asking to Be Hired – Even Though I Only Taught Them a Little～ - Chapter 33: The Old Man Compliments Saintess Milene

“Alesia! What are you doing? Eating with a knife like that is bad manners!”

“Uh… I just made a mistake!”

I watched the exchange between Saintess Milene and Sword Saint Alesia with a smile while sipping my morning coffee. It reminded me of the days when we all lived together, having similar interactions.

“Liena, let’s read the newspaper later, okay?”

“Yes~~ I’m sorry, Milene.”

It’s good to see Liena speaking casually with Milene, becoming friends. Too much formality can be tiring for me too.

Lately, Liena has been staying at the inn more often. I did question whether it was appropriate for her as a princess, but the king just said, “I entrust my daughter to you~ you two are a perfect match~ Ha ha ha~” in a somewhat incomprehensible manner.

Well, her help at work is appreciated, and her presence adds to the liveliness, which I enjoy.

“Alesia! Don’t read notes during meals! Now is the time for conversation with everyone.”

“I know! I was just curious about something! Milene, you’re too detailed.”

“You haven’t changed, have you? That’s a work note, right? I understand you want to impress Baldo Sensei, but don’t rush too much.”

“Mmm… Even though I am the senior employee here…”

“Hehe, the state of that tattered notebook shows how hard you’ve been working.”

“So, I am doing well! Yes, yes!”

Despite their bickering, these two get along well. Milene seems eager, returning after such a long time.

“By the way, Milene… is that your uniform?”

I asked Milene, who was clearing the dishes after breakfast. She had been working in her pure white robe since joining, but it was quite startling for the guests, who would often exclaim, “Sa, Saintess?!” So, I ordered a work uniform for her.

Regarding the uniform, I didn’t have much input. As long as it’s not dirty, I believe the staff should have the freedom to choose their attire. But…

“Yes! This is my uniform. Do I look good in it, Baldo Sensei?”

Milene’s face brightened, and she twirled around to show me.

“Hehe, it’s a bit short for a robe, isn’t it?”

―――Wait, that’s a maid outfit!?

Isn’t that skirt too short!?

Milene’s uniform was similar to Alesia’s, with lots of cute frills and a headband. While Alesia’s was primarily black, Milene’s was pure white.

I suppressed the doubt about whether it was appropriate for a saintess to wear such a dress. She seems to like it, and it’s not good to be too nitpicky.

“Oh, yes… it suits you very well.”

As I complimented her, Milene joyfully twirled and returned to her work.

But she really shouldn’t twirl too much. The sight of her in pure white is unsettlingly thrilling for my old heart.

Muttering…

What’s that? I hear something from behind!

“A formidable rival has appeared… I was the one who held the position of being pure and innocent!”

Ah, that was Liena… What does she mean by ‘pure and innocent position’?

And is this really what constitutes purity? It’s more troubling for me… It makes my heart race.

Now that I think about it, our staff consists of a princess, a Sword Saint, a Saintess, and the beautiful magic doll Sera. Everyone except this old man has quite the presence.

As I pondered this, the lobby door burst open, and Sera rushed in.

“―――Master! A large number of monsters are outside!”

According to Sera, she was hanging laundry when suddenly monsters attacked from the sky.

“I turned a few into mincemeat, but there are too many, so I came back to report.”

She turned a few into mincemeat…

Ever since I started infusing her magical core with my “fighting spirit,” Sera has developed incredible speed and strength. It seems she demonstrated her power in battle this time as well.

◇◇◇

“Whoa! There are so many of them!”

“Sensei, those are Forest Bees!”

As Alesia pointed out, the inn was being surrounded by bee-like monsters.

They were about the size of a human head, so, quite large for bees.

But this is strange. Though we’re on the outskirts of the capital, this isn’t a place where monsters frequently appear. Why such a sudden infestation?

“Ev, everyone… sorry to keep you waiting.”

Saintess Milene emerged from the back, slightly out of breath. Holding her holy staff aloft, she began to chant.

“Baldo Sensei… I will now cast a ‘Barrier.’ I need some time to gather my magical power. Please hold them off until then.”

Milene visibly shook and overreacted with each buzzing approach of the Forest Bees.

―――Ah, right… that’s how it is.

Milene closed her eyes, concentrating to gather her magic.

“Milene! Leave the approaching bees to us! Alesia, Sera! Let’s go! Liena, please have the guests stay in their rooms and support Milene!”

“Yes!”

I started to gather my “fighting spirit” within me, unsheathing my sword to face the approaching Forest Bees.

“Sei!”

“Sei!”

Alesia and Sera began to intercept the approaching bees, just like me.

Each bee wasn’t particularly strong. Even an old man like me could handle them. After all, they’re just bees.

“Sei!”

“Sei!”

…But there are so many of them.

No matter how many we cut down, more keep coming, attacking from every direction.

Whoa, I’m reaching my limit…

“Everyone! Back inside the inn! I’m deploying the ‘Barrier’!”

Milene signaled, her holy staff glowing brightly.

―――Alright! Everyone, retreat!

“Holy walls, protect us from calamity!

　―――Holy Barrier Shield!”

Light poured from Milene’s staff, enveloping the entire inn. The Forest Bees, blocked by the barrier, began to collide and self-destruct in confusion.

“Phew…”

Liena helped a panting Milene.

“Milene, are you okay? You’re pale.”

“Yes… I’m fine, Liena. It’s just that I haven’t done this in a while… a bit tired, that’s all.”

I patted her head, offering words of encouragement.

“Milene, you did well. You’re amazing.”

“Hehe, Baldo Sensei. I’m not a child anymore, you know.”

“Oh, sorry. Old habits, I guess.”

While I reminisced about the past, Alesia’s voice rang out.

“Sensei! The Forest Bees’ movement has changed!”

“No way… they’re heading towards the capital.”

Monsters usually return to the forest when their path is blocked, as their nests are usually there.

Exceptions exist, but all of them not returning to the forest? Is something happening in the Great Forest?

“Milene! Can you extend the ‘Barrier’? If not, everyone in the capital will be in danger!”

“Liena, casting a large ‘Barrier’ takes time. To cover the entire capital…”

Indeed, Milene could potentially form a ‘Barrier’ over the entire Natol region, but that requires ample preparation time. Casting a ‘Barrier’ requires a huge amount of concentrated magical power. In her case, it’s a mix of magic and “fighting spirit.”

It’s not a spell that can be activated with a few seconds of chanting, as demonstrated by the time taken to cast it over the inn.

―――So, my dear disciple is in trouble.

Then, there’s only one thing for me to do.

“Alright, Milene, maintain the current ‘Barrier’! Alesia and Sera, draw the monsters’ attention to us!”

“Baldo Sensei! Are you going to cast a ‘Barrier’!?”

“Eh? Baldo-sama can cast a ‘Barrier’? I thought you couldn’t use magic!?”

“―――Just leave it to me!”